The holiday season is approaching, and CMA Country Christmas has officially revealed its host and impressive lineup of performers for 2026. The beloved television special will return for its 17th annual celebration on Tuesday, December 1, bringing together some of country music’s biggest names for an evening of Christmas classics and festive performances. This year’s event will be hosted by Grammy-winning country trio Lady A, who will also perform during the broadcast.
The Country Music Association and ABC announced the details on November 4, confirming that the special will feature a mixture of established country stars, rising performers, and musicians from other genres. The lineup includes BeBe Winans, Dan + Shay, Debbie Winans, Grace Bowers, Jordan Davis, Lindsey Stirling, Russell Dickerson, Trisha Yearwood, Zach Top, and Lady A. Together, the artists will celebrate the holiday season through a variety of musical performances.
Lady A, consisting of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood, will take on hosting duties while also contributing their own performance. The trio has become well known for its rich harmonies and successful country music career, making the group a fitting choice to guide viewers through the annual celebration. Their experience recording Christmas music also adds a personal connection to the holiday-themed program.
The group’s involvement comes as Lady A prepares for its This Winter’s Night Tour, which will feature music from its holiday projects. The trio released On This Winter’s Night in 2012 and followed it with On This Winter’s Night: Volume 2 in 2025. Those recordings have helped establish Lady A’s connection to Christmas music, giving fans another reason to look forward to the group’s appearance.
Among the other performers is Trisha Yearwood, whose career has made her one of country music’s most recognizable voices. The Grammy-winning singer has previously participated in CMA Country Christmas and brings extensive experience performing both country favorites and holiday material. Her return adds another established name to a lineup designed to appeal to several generations of music listeners.
Country duo Dan + Shay will also participate in the celebration, alongside Jordan Davis and Russell Dickerson. All three acts have enjoyed considerable success in contemporary country music, and their inclusion brings a modern sound to the annual holiday program. Rising country artist Zach Top is another notable addition, offering a traditional country influence that complements the different musical styles represented throughout the evening.
The lineup extends beyond mainstream country music with appearances by gospel performers BeBe Winans and Debbie Winans. Their participation introduces another musical dimension to the celebration, reflecting the longstanding connection between gospel music and traditional Christmas performances. Their distinctive vocal backgrounds will contribute to the variety of sounds featured during the special.
Instrumental performers Grace Bowers and Lindsey Stirling are also scheduled to appear. Bowers has gained recognition for her guitar playing, while Stirling is widely known for combining violin performances with contemporary musical arrangements. Their inclusion provides opportunities for instrumental interpretations alongside the vocal performances that have traditionally defined the annual television event.
The 2026 special was filmed in front of a live audience in Nashville, Tennessee, continuing a tradition that began when CMA Country Christmas debuted in 2010. The production brings together artists in a festive setting designed to celebrate familiar Christmas songs through individual interpretations and distinctive musical styles. While the complete song list has not yet been announced, viewers can expect a celebration centered on seasonal favorites and holiday music.
CMA Country Christmas will air Tuesday, December 1, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time and 8 p.m. Central Time on ABC. Viewers who miss the original broadcast will be able to stream the special beginning Wednesday, December 2, on Disney+ and Hulu. With Lady A leading the celebration and a lineup featuring country, gospel, and instrumental performers, the 17th annual edition promises another festive evening of music as the Christmas season begins.
